A New Porsche 911 Generation Looms As Speedster Set To Debut

And that arrival is slated for this July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Porsche first launched a 911 Speedster back in 1993 as a farewell to the 964 generation. Jump ahead to 2011, and Porsche launched a second low-slung convertible bearing the same name as a 997 generation finale. With the expected arrival of the 992 911 this October at Paris, it’s almost time to say farewell to the 991 (or rather 991.2) 911. While we’ve seen plenty of spy shots of the 992 testing at various venues, there’s one more outgoing 911 generation variant we have yet to see, . But leave it to our spy photographers to change that.

What you’re looking at here is a late stage prototype of the new 911 Speedster, due to make its public debut this July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This nearly production ready test car was spotted undergoing hot weather testing in Southern Europe, and Porsche brought along both a GT3 and GT3 RS to help keep it company. Seriously though, those GT cars were present because the new 911 Speedster is expected to feature the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with at least 500 hp. Chances are the sole gearbox option will be the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch, but a six-speed manual shouldn’t be ruled out. We've just been updated that Porsche will reportedly build 1,948 examples, in honor of its 70th anniversary and founding year.

The previous 997 Speedster only saw 356 examples built. Why 356? Because it pays homage to the 356 Speedster, built in 1954. So what makes a Speedster a Speedster? First off, the rear seat is eliminated. The windshield is shorter and the manual top covers the unique double bubble convertible top compartment lid. The result is a lower and sleeker car with a flatter roof. Porsche will also likely offer the new Speedster to select (and loyal) customers. All questions will be answered this summer.